Author: Kurt Spickerman

What difference can an hour make? For Touchmark resident Steve Minich, donating an hour of his time to help others gives him the greatest joy. “Some people can retire and be OK. I’m not one of those people … I need a purpose,” explains Steve of his decision to move to Touchmark more than three years ago.

“I had a busy career working for the same company for 47 years. I couldn’t just turn the switch off and not be helpful.” Steve welcomes Touchmark’s Full Life and regularly embraces the seven dimensions of wellness, including Occupational/Vocational. This dimension is defined as “determining and achieving personal and occupational interests through meaningful activities, including lifespan occupations, learning new skills, volunteering, and developing new interests/hobbies.”

The rewards of volunteering

Steve is willing to lend a hand wherever and whenever he can, whether it is helping with an event, program, or cause. “I volunteer, because it helps my mental and physical health.”

Volunteering is new to Steve, who says his career and schedule prevented him from being able to volunteer his time to organizations. “I worked odd hours, which meant I was at work when many civic groups were having meetings or events. But here, I can help out whenever I want. I can now live the principle of paying it forward.”

That desire to help has led Steve to new opportunities. He is the Vice President of the Resident Council and serves on the Dining Services Committee. He has learned new games and skills so he can help fulfill a need in his community. For example, the bridge group was short a player, so Steve learned to play the game; now he can stand in when needed. He also taught himself to play mahjong so that group could continue.

“Steve volunteers for everything,” says Life Enrichment/Wellness Director Nanette Whitman-Holmes, “and if he doesn’t know how to help, he will find a way to learn.”

Supporting the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s is an activity that’s especially meaningful. “I like to work the booth and interact with the participants. It is a great feeling when someone donates $100, and we get to ring the bell and celebrate that person’s contribution to an important cause.”

Making others “feel good”

Another favorite event to help with is Touchmark’s annual Dick Morgan Memorial Easter Egg Hunt. “I help sort the eggs, fill the eggs, hide the eggs … anything that needs doing, I do.”

Giving blood donations is another way Steve helps others. A donor early in life—he started giving blood in high school when a fellow student developed leukemia—Steve appreciates that he can donate at Touchmark during the regular community events held on-site.

As he says, “Helping others gives me a good feeling, a personal satisfaction that what I do matters to someone else.”

In fact, Steve doesn’t just go the extra mile to help others—he believes in going 25 miles. Despite not having volunteered during his working years, Steve strove to make his work matter. “At Food Services of America, we were encouraged to go the extra 25 miles to make a difference. I was always looking for ways to make processes more efficient and cost-effective for my employer.” Upon his retirement, Steve was presented with all 12 of Food Service of America Founder Tom Stewart’s principle coins. “I just broke down. Very few employees ever earn one of the coins, so to get all 12 was truly an honor.”

That desire to make a difference in the lives of others is deeply ingrained in Steve. “Helping people gives me great satisfaction. I appreciate Nanette and the other staff’s work ethic and enthusiasm and passion for giving every resident at Touchmark access to the Full Life. And I like to be part of that and enrich others’ lives.”

When a family member needs assistance beyond what’s currently available to them, either due to injury or other factors, one option is in-home health care.

There are benefits and risks with this choice. The information here explores both. It also looks at additional care options, helping you to assess which option is best for you and your loved one.

When in-home care makes sense

Private, in-home care can be your best option under certain circumstances. Here are the primary ones:

When the need for assistance is short-term

When the needs are predictable and can be tightly scheduled

When the needs are not medically complex

When the person in need of assistance absolutely refuses to move from his or her current home

Three options for providing extra assistance

When extra help is needed, there are three common options for care providers:

Family and friends. If nearby family and friends are available, this can be a natural first option for those requiring occasional help. Family and friends can do things like mow the lawn, drive the person to the doctor, help with grocery shopping, or help prepare healthy meals. If the need for assistance is temporary—while the family member recovers from an illness or minor surgery—this may be the option that makes the most sense.

Private, in-home professional care. This is often the next solution considered for those needing extra help. During specified hours, professional caregivers come into the home to perform various tasks, such as help with bathing and dressing, medical assistance, and light housework.

A retirement community providing a continuum of care. This option is best when a family member’s need for assistance is long-term or when taking into consideration care that will likely be necessary in the future, even if it isn’t currently needed.

Common drawbacks of hiring and managing in-home caretakers

When considering in-home care, there are a few things you will want to research thoroughly before signing any agreements:

Possible employer obligations. If you choose to hire outside of a licensed agency setting, you can be legally obligated to act as the “employer.” In this situation, after a relatively low threshold of payment for services, you must meet all the duties of an employer, including:

Determining citizenship status

Being responsible for paying payroll taxes, overtime, worker’s compensation i nsurance, Social Security, general liability coverage, reporting to the IRS, etc.

Consistency of care. In the home-care industry, there’s less assurance that a caregiver will reliably be available to a particular person. Developing a relationship with a caregiver is important, but your family member may be required to see a different caregiver each day.

Care coverage. If your family member’s scheduled caregiver has an emergency or simply quits, there may not be anyone available to cover the shift, leaving your family member without help.

An unsafe home environment. Is your caregiver trained to identify fall risks and other health hazards? Sometimes the home presents extra challenges that need to be considered.

Extra stress on family members. A spouse, close friend, or family member must always be on call to deal with emergency situations, caregiver no-shows, staffing issues, etc., which can become overwhelming.

If you’re considering in-home care, you should always get recommendations and ask for credentials and proof of licensure. Working with a reputable home health/home care agency can minimize the risks of doing it yourself.

Private, in-home care is rarely the best long-term solution

In-home caregivers can be a good solution for noncritical, short-term care needs, however, for long-term needs, it’s best to consider other options. One option could be a retirement community offering a continuum of professional services. The benefits of moving into an established community include:

A complete range of pre-established around-the-clock care, with services that easily expand and contract depending on needs (generally at a much lower cost than comparable in-home care)

A wide range of highly qualified medical professionals always on hand to address any issue that arises

Trained geriatrics staff

A safer physical environment intentionally designed with specific needs in mind

Organized social opportunities and events designed to nourish emotional, spiritual, and intellectual health

Increased peace of mind for everyone involved

Time and again, studies underscore how managing a long-term in-home situation can easily overwhelm a caregiver. Thus, it makes sense to use in-home care as an interim step while searching for a better long-term solution.

Even though moving can present some challenges, most people repeatedly share how happy they are after the move, and they say, “I wish I’d done it sooner.”

We suggest you begin looking at your options now, so that if a greater need suddenly arises, you are prepared to act. Planning ahead always offers more options and usually offers better results; it is much easier to make a move when it’s a thoughtful decision rather than an urgent need.

Assessing your own situation

Answer these important questions to help determine which care option is right for you or your loved one:

Assess your own needs

What type of assistance is needed? (Housekeeping, personal assistance, medical care, all types?)

What level of assistance is needed? (How many hours, days/nights/weekends, around the clock?)

How long will the assistance be needed? (A few days, weeks, months, permanently … not sure?)

Assess the practicality of caregivers

Are there enough qualified in-home caregivers in your area? Can you get a referral from your health care provider or a friend of the family?

Will you have to take on the legal and financial responsibilities of being an employer? This will require you to verify licenses and citizenship and talk with a certified public accountant or other financial advisor.

How much will it cost for the type and level of services needed? Can you afford it?

Can your caregiver handle all of the paperwork for Medicare and other insurance claims?

Will the caregiver you choose offer flexibility? Will they be able to handle emergency medical situations that arise? Can they easily expand their hours or service, as needed?

After answering these questions, you should have a better idea of what the best solution is for your caregiver needs. Be sure and discuss the results with others, such as family members, financial advisors, health care providers, and potential service providers before making a final decision.

Most people have heard the saying “laughter is the best medicine,” and while that may be an overstatement, laughter does offer some profound benefits.

In fact, recent studies have shown that laughter has the power to reduce stress and anxiety by shutting down stress hormones like cortisol and triggering dopamine production. It also increases oxygen intake by stimulating the heart, lungs, and muscles, and it is a natural pain killer.

Here are a few suggestions for increasing your laughter levels:

Laugh when others laugh. Sometimes your body just needs to get warmed up, and a few false chuckles can help you get started on the real thing.

Learn to laugh at yourself. Laughing instead of getting angry at yourself when you make a mistake will give you more reasons to laugh and may help you be a happier person overall.

Browse YouTube. Type in “funny videos,” and you will find thousands of opportunities to tickle your funny bone.

Change up your radio stations. There are a variety of ways to listen to recorded comedy, including CDs, humor podcasts, and satellite radio comedy stations.

Schedule a weekly funny movie night. Invite friends or neighbors and suggest taking turns hosting and selecting the film. When accompanied by others, many people are 30 percent more likely to laugh than when on their own.

Embrace every opportunity to laugh: after all, our health can be a laughing matter.

Art forms can be influential—they have the ability to evoke an emotional response, trigger long-term memories, and create special moments between people. These results can be beneficial to anyone, but especially for people living with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia who may be unable to express themselves.

As dementia progresses and memory deteriorates, people often have difficulty communicating, may experience significant changes in their physical abilities, and may become moody, withdrawn, suspicious, or change their preferences and typical behaviors. These symptoms worsen over time, leading to frustration and a loss of hope in loved ones and caregivers wishing to maintain a relationship.

The benefits of art—whether it be stories, music, or paintings—can be achieved by sharing in these activities one-on-one with a loved one, but are also practiced through programs with certified professionals. The targeted programs detailed below offer opportunities for meaningful connections that may otherwise be difficult to achieve.

In today’s world, there are no highly effective medical treatments available for dementia, which make these programs all the more valuable. Utilizing these activities, both in individual and group settings, caregivers and loved ones can encourage socialization, collaboration, and engagement—and often develop a deeper understanding and more positive interactions with individuals struggling with dementia.

Many retirement communities offer these types of programs to help engage the lives of residents and provide an enhanced quality of care tailored to each individual.

Finding a connection without words

TimeSlips™ is a therapeutic storytelling tool that encourages people living with dementia to create and share stories together, which helps to strengthen their cognitive functions.

While TimeSlips focuses on using a picture to draw upon memories and creativity from participants, other programs, such as Music and MemorySM, uses the power of music to connect. Studies have shown that music touches all lobes of the brain, and can reach people at any stage of dementia.

Additional forms of artistic expression and appreciation, including painting and drawing, have been proven to produce similar benefits. Individuals living with dementia are often able to achieve levels of focus and engagement otherwise unattainable.

Telling stories together

In 1998, TimeSlips founder Anne Basting was curious about how reminiscing activities could help adults with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, and began developing stories in group settings. Since its inception, TimeSlips has become an internationally recognized certification program with over 2,000 trained facilitators; free, custom storytelling software; staged plays inspired by the stories; and press recognition by NPR, Today Show, Chicago Tribune, and more.

During a TimeSlips session, a large photo is shown, and those participating are encouraged to share what they see as well as the smells, sounds, and other details they might associate with the image. The group’s observations are used to construct a story about the image, which is then read aloud to the group, allowing residents to recognize their contributions and share in a fun moment.

The benefits of personalized music

Musical appreciation and aptitude can remain as one of the last abilities for a person in the later stages of dementia, and favorite songs from the young adult years are most likely to elicit a positive response.

For individuals living with dementia, listening to favorite songs of the past can help them to:

Decrease agitation and distract from fear and anxiety

Connect with caregivers and loved ones in more meaningful ways, even when verbal communication is no longer possible

Reduce sundowning symptoms

Aid in reducing reliance on antipsychotic, antianxiety, and antidepressant medications

The Music and Memory program was founded in 2006 by Dan Cohen, MSW, a social worker in New York, who felt that if he ever lived in a retirement community, he would like to be able to listen to his favorite music from the ’60s. Over the next two years, Dan volunteered at nursing homes and provided residents with personalized iPods. The program has grown rapidly since then and is used in hundreds of communities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Engaging in these proven-effective techniques for connecting with a loved one with dementia can help produce more meaningful, positive, and enriching experiences—even as the disease progresses. When words fail, art still stands.

In the past, declining health was the primary reason for older adults to move from their “family home” into a home offering support with daily chores and medical care.

Today, that trend is beginning to change, with an increasing number of healthy, active adults moving to retirement communities for a very different reason: social support. And they are discovering it has profound and far-reaching benefits.

The many benefits of social interaction

As it turns out, having regular and meaningful interactions with others is much more than just a pleasant pastime. It is critical to our well-being. In fact, a quickly growing body of research is showing that social engagement—feeling connected to others—can lead to better health and longevity, while social isolation and loneliness have alarmingly negative effects on physical and cognitive health.

Here are a few of the specific benefits of regularly connecting with others:

Improves memory and cognitive function. Evidence has shown that an active social life can actually improve brainpower, increasing our ability to concentrate and slowing the rate of memory loss and other cognitive loss.

Reduces the risk of premature mortality. People who constantly feel lonely have a 14% higher risk of premature death than those who don’t, according to a recent study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In fact, having high-quality relationships with a few people is one of the keys to greater happiness.

Supports better overall health. The National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project showed that people who feel the most socially connected are five times more likely to report very good or excellent health than those who felt the most socially disconnected and lonely.

Enhances the effectiveness of other beneficial activities. Other studies have shown that a strong social network of caring friends, family, and organizations can be as much of a factor in successful aging as diet and exercise. Furthermore, adding a social component to diet and exercise can significantly enhance their effectiveness. For instance, those who have a walking partner or join a walking group tend to take longer walks and walk more often.

As more studies are conducted, we are likely to discover many more benefits of social interaction.

Even couples can feel lonely

Even if you’re not living alone, you can experience loneliness. The following are common causes for feeling lonely:

You don’t know your neighbors anymore

Your longtime friends have moved away or passed on

Your family doesn’t visit as much as you’d like

You aren’t as mobile, reducing the opportunity for outside activities

Your home itself requires too much maintenance and ties you down

Studies reveal significant benefits to living in retirement communities

Another important study found that people who choose to live in retirement communities, where social connection is commonplace, are generally more satisfied with their daily lives and are more likely to be happier than their contemporaries who remain in their own homes.

It is not surprising, then, that living in a retirement community also has a positive impact on health. The same study found that residents were more likely to report that their current health status was better than it had been in the previous two years, as compared with people who remained in their own homes.

By providing the resources, structure, and support for social engagement, retirement communities offer definite health benefits to residents.

How retirement communities promote greater health and happiness

Here are a few examples of how communities help facilitate easy, meaningful, and regular social connections in one-on-one and small-group settings:

The benefits of social interaction are heightened if they incorporate meaning and purpose for participants. When looking at communities, pay attention to those that have residents’ well-being in mind and respond to their desires.

The importance of balancing social interaction and time alone

It is an important distinction to note that it is the feeling of loneliness, rather than simply being alone, that is associated with an increased risk of clinical dementia. People can, in fact, spend time alone and not feel lonely. We know that for most people, a certain amount of time by oneself can be a healthy activity. Being alone only becomes unhealthy when we feel we are spending too much time alone when we’d rather be with other people.

Each person has a preferred balance of being with others and spending time alone. And this is why it’s important to find a retirement community that celebrates social activities and respects privacy and individual pursuits.

Laughing … “It gives you life!”

When Bev Kuhn is asked why she’s always smiling and laughing, she quickly answers, “It’s a good release and makes things go well.”

She says she laughs at any humor she finds. Pausing, she thinks about an example and then lights up as she describes her “fun table” of six women who enjoy eating dinner together each evening. “One woman brings a book of Yiddish phrases to share with the group. They’re common phrases we all know, and that sets the stage for a fun dinner.

“We’re all different and may not agree on everything, but we can talk about anything, laugh, and have a great time.”

Research has shown there are many real benefits of laughter, from managing pain to reducing stress, and Bev acknowledges laughter played a big role helping her cope with the many demands of caring for her husband for five years as his Alzheimer’s disease progressed. “It was such a difficult time. I tried crying, but that doesn’t work, so I thought I might as well laugh about it. He had a great sense of humor!”

Before her husband’s diagnosis, the couple spent 20 years traveling across most of Canada and throughout the U.S. and Mexico in their RV. “He was a jokester! I’m not a joke-teller, but I love laughing at jokes when others share them.”

Born in North Hollywood, California, Bev has lived most of her life on the West Coast. She and her husband owned a metal engraving business and raised three daughters. With her flair for design, Bev also was an interior decorator. Plus, she was a district manager for Avon, overseeing 150 representatives.

Life—and laughter—at Touchmark

“I’ve had more culture here at Touchmark since I moved in almost three years now,” she says throwing her head back with a laugh. “The music is amazing, but that’s not all. You can’t do everything there is to do … there’s lots and lots to do.”

In addition to all the cultural events and activities, you can find Bev bubbling with enthusiasm at happy hours, chatting with people while she walks her dog, and signing up for “most anything.”

At the top of her list is the A-MAY-Zing Race, an activity patterned after the popular TV show, the Amazing Race. “I love it! That is the most fun! It’s a challenge, and I didn’t realize I was so competitive, but I jumped into it.” Her team (the Sweet Chicks) has won for the past two years. “And we plan to do it a third year: We’re tough!”

That competitive spirit also shows itself when she plays Wii Bowling, another favorite pastime.

Having crisscrossed North America with her husband, Bev still enjoys traveling and appreciates Touchmark’s organized trips. “We went to Cape Cod last fall, and we plan to go to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, later this year. I’m excited to go to the Panama Canal next year.”

But ask Bev what she likes the most, and she quickly says, “The people! Not only the residents but the staff, too: They’re wonderful and very caring.”

When she’s not talking and laughing with friends and neighbors or playing Pegs and Jokers, Bev is busy with projects in her home. “I adore quilting and have an embroidery machine and a pretty extensive collection of quilts.”

Whether she’s bent over her sewing or raising a glass and toasting life with friends, the one common thread running through Bev’s full and fascinating life is laughter. “It gives you life!”

It may be cold outside, but that doesn’t mean your exercise routine has to come to a halt for the next several months. Keeping up with exercise can help prevent weight gain and maintain routines so that you don’t have to start over again next spring.

Gyms and fitness clubs often have a variety of options for keeping you active until the weather warms up.

However, for those who prefer to exercise outside, whether it’s walking, running, or biking, there are some important tips to keep in mind to stay safe and healthy during colder weather:

Be aware of the temperature. While exercising outside is still safe in the winter, if the temperature or wind chill dips too low, you could be at risk, especially on areas of exposed skin.

Dress in layers. You will likely warm up as you continue to work out, but it’s important to stay at a comfortable temperature from start to finish. Dressing in layers makes it easy and safe to adjust your temperature by simply peeling off clothing.

Keep an eye out for slippery conditions. Even when it seems clear outside, the ground could be frozen with patches of black ice. Always be aware of your footing, and if it seems unsafe or not dry enough, stay inside.

Stay hydrated. In colder weather, sweating is not as obvious as it is in the summer, and many people don’t consider the risk of dehydration. But it’s still a potential danger in the winter.

Start small. Though you may be able to walk great distances in the summer, your body’s abilities can be different in the cold. If you overestimate your ability and need to stop, your body temperature may drop, increasing your risk of hypothermia. Start out with shorter distances or less intensity and gradually increase your distance.

With a little planning and caution, winter exercising can be rewarding and fun, and it’s a great way to maintain activity levels throughout the year.

Each February we focus on the importance of heart health, as cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United State and one of the leading causes in Canada.

We often hear about how our weight, blood pressure, diet, and activity levels can affect our heart health. But heart conditions are tied to emotional well-being, too.

While the links between the heart and the mind are not quite as measurable, there is plentiful evidence that suggests a happy mind equals a healthy heart. Paying attention to all aspects of our personal wellness promotes a healthy mind, body, and spirit!

According to the American Heart Journal, up to 15 percent of patients with cardiovascular disease have experienced major depression. Many people with heart conditions also suffer from anxiety.

One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of depression and subsequent heart conditions is to surround ourselves with those who make us happy—these relationships can provide emotional support, physical and intellectual intimacy, and a sense of purpose.

They say married people tend to live longer, and these feelings are part of the reason why. For those who live alone, owning a pet and spending quality time with friends and family can bring many of these same benefits.

Other ways to reduce stress and promote emotional wellness include taking breaks to clear your head, getting regular exercise (good for the mind and body!), and sharing any early feelings of depression with a family member or your doctor.

Let the love in your heart keep you on the path to wellness this month!

Discovering new fitness possibilities

“Exercising is critical! If you want to feel good and not be tired, you have to move,” declares Barbara Bruno, adding, “If I can do it, anyone can.” Rather than slow her down, the fact that she has had three knee surgeries for a torn meniscus motivates her to exercise more.

A board-certified internist and cardiologist for 20 years, Barbara was the first female cardiologist in Scottsdale, Arizona, and was the leading expert in pacemaker implantation. She had been a registered nurse before returning to school and obtaining her medical degree.

In addition to creating a sense of well-being, Barbara appreciates how daily exercising gives her a sense of accomplishment and supports her independence. Her favorite exercise? “Pickleball!”

Earlier in her life, Barbara was an avid tennis player and had never heard of pickleball, but now she enjoys it more. “It’s a quicker game, and I find it more interesting. By the time we finish playing one-and-a-half to two hours, we’ve had a great workout, and it’s so much fun.” She says it has been rewarding to see how she and other players have improved through practice.

Variety keeps it interesting

In addition to playing pickleball three times a week, Barbara visits the Touchmark Health & Fitness Club daily. “I’m taking tai chi, which actually provides a lot of movement from one side to another, and that’s helpful with balance.” She also does strength training and is going to work with Touchmark’s personal trainer for a few sessions. “Getting strength training is so important to prevent falls. We lose muscle if we don’t work out regularly, and that ups your risk of falling.” She appreciates how Touchmark trainers make sure you’re doing things safely and correctly.

Barbara also has a treadmill and hand weights in her home and uses those to limber up before heading out to play pickleball. Hiking with the Touchmark Trekkers is another favorite pastime. “About a dozen of us go on these hikes, which is a comfortable number, and it’s fun being with a group of people and exploring different trails.” She appreciates how Touchmark staff scout the trails in advance and know the distances and whether they are most appropriate for beginning or intermediate hikers.

Exercising offers even more benefits

Both as a doctor and from her own personal experience, Barbara knows exercising’s benefits, and she quickly lists four:

“It’s good for your whole body, particularly for your heart and brain.”

“It’s a great stress-reducer. Sitting all the time is the worst thing you can do. Sedentary behavior can be just as risky as smoking. You must get up and move every hour.”

“It combats fatigue! If you don’t move, your body just starts to freeze.”

“You just feel better!”

Added benefits of the Full Life

“There’s never a boring moment here—and that’s a good thing!”

She’s part of a health book club, where members read books relating to nutrition, stress … anything relating to health. “We meet twice a month. The next book we’ll be reading is The Alzheimer’s Solution: A Breakthrough Program to Prevent and Reverse the Symptoms of Cognitive Decline at Every Age.

Before moving to Touchmark, Barbara and her husband were living isolated in the woods, so she especially appreciates having a sense of community. “I love being in a community, being around other people. There are so many things to do here, there’s never a dull moment. You have to pick and choose.”

Did you know that people’s eating habits may change as they move through their dementia journey and the disease progresses? These changes are in addition to those experienced by many older adults, as taste tends to diminish as we age.

You may have already noticed a difference in your loved one’s food preferences. Because people with dementia don’t experience flavor the way they once did, they often change their eating habits and adopt entirely new food preferences. For example, they may crave “heavy” foods, like cream, or highly flavored foods, such as sweets.

For a caregiver, packing enough nutrients into a loved one’s meals can be a challenge, but there are ways to do it.

Tips for encouraging nutrition

Add protein

Identify good sources of protein that your loved one will eat or drink. Be aware that older adults may have more difficulty chewing meat, especially if they have dentures.

Consider making a smoothie or milkshake and adding some extra protein powder.

Supplement other food items, like oatmeal, desserts, and mashed potatoes, with protein. This usually won’t change the food’s flavor or texture.

Sneak in vegetables

Encouraging your loved one to eat vegetables can be a challenge. It’s also important for people with dementia to take vitamin and mineral supplements, but visit with your doctor before starting.

Change the texture of the vegetables or add a dipping sauce to help enhance the flavor.

Puree vegetables and add them to a smoothie.

Try adding flavored powdered vegetable supplements to shakes or smoothies. There are several varieties available.

Make eating a social event

We all, including your loved one, like to eat with others.

Eat a healthy meal with your loved one. People with dementia tend to watch other people and mirror their actions.

Avoid distractions. This allows your loved one to focus on the food. For example, eating in busy restaurants may be too stimulating. Instead, consider going to restaurants when they are less crowded, noisy, and overwhelming.

Depending on where the person is in the disease process, having a conversation while eating may or may not be possible. Early in the disease process, people may be able to multi-task easily. As the disease progresses, talking can actually distract them from eating altogether.

It depends on the stage

If your loved one is in the early disease process, you may have to pay particular attention to dietary restrictions associated with other medical issues to make sure he/she is getting proper nutrition. Inadequate nutrition can lead to other health issues such as weight gain/loss, falls, skin breakdown, etc. When people are in the end stage of the disease process, it’s usually reasonable to let them eat whatever they want.

Changing tastes can be a challenge for you and your loved one, but focusing on making meals special times you enjoy with your loved one can make eating more enjoyable for all—and more nutritious for your loved one.